Gynura japonica
Gynura japonica, commonly known as Sawtooth Treacle or Choy Sum, is a versatile medicinal herb deeply rooted in traditional Asian medicine. Renowned for its nutrient-rich leaves, it possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, often utilized to support detoxification, promote skin health, and manage various metabolic conditions naturally and effectively.
- Scientific name: Gynura japonica
- Family: Asteraceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asterales, it is classified under the family Asteraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Gynura, specifically as the species Gynura japonica.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Gynura | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant is widely distributed across several key regions in Eastern Asia. In China, its presence is noted in the South-Central, North-Central, and Southeast territories. The species also extends its range into the island nation of Japan. Additionally, it can be found growing within the diverse environments of Taiwan. Together, these locations define the primary geographical footprint of Gynura japonica.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | China North-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Japan | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Taiwan | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Nepal | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Thailand | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
| Malesia | Philippines | WCVP |
Chemicals
Gynura japonica has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include pyrrolizidine alkaloid, senecionine.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| pyrrolizidine alkaloid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| senecionine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Gynura japonica has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include apoptosis, ascites, drug-induced liver injury, hepatomegaly, hyperbilirubinemia.
- Total uses
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| apoptosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ascites | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| drug-induced liver injury | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hepatomegaly | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hyperbilirubinemia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| necrosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |